Mortality risk and loss in life expectancy associated with poor oral health: a population-based epidemiologic...

Previous studies have shown that oral health is associated with mortality. However, evidence is lacking on the association between comprehensive oral health indicators and mortality and life expectancy. We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2018 (adults aged ≥ 40 years). Oral health was assessed based on tooth loss, periodontitis, self-rated oral health, and the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. Mortality status was linked to the National Death Index up to December 31, 2019. Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the association between oral health and mortality. Life expectancy was calculated using the life tables. Over 8.3 years (mean follow-up), 3345 deaths occurred. Compared to those with 0-1 tooth lost, no periodontitis, good self-rated oral health, and very low DMFT index, the risk of all-cause mortality for individuals with 22-28 teeth lost, severe periodontitis, poor self-rated oral health, and high DMFT index increased by 59%-89%, resulting in an estimated loss of life expectancy of 4.6-6.4 years at age 50. This study found that poor oral health was associated with a higher risk of mortality and a shorter life expectancy.